getting close to moving into a new home. I had the utility room plumbed to recieve a standard home owner ice machine. I want a "sonic" type nugget ice but costs for these types seem very high (around $2400).

Anyone have any experience or recommendations with a home owner ice machine?

Thanks

There's a long thread on outdoor all about them.

If you are very particular about your ice, prepare your anus! Some of those guys over there have spent multiple thousands of dollars for them.

Or get a chest deep freezer and buy Sonic or Chicken Express Ice 10 lb bags for $1.99.

$2500 will get you 1160 bags or 11,605 lbs of ice after taxes.

We bought a Scotsman several years ago and love it. If you have a drain that doesn't need a pump, then the ice machine is significantly cheaper. It is worth every penny you pay for. Just make sure you have someone service it once a year or at least every 18 months.

Go to a restaurant supply house and see what they've got. As SL said, the drain issue is the biggest you'll face.

We have a bunch of Hoshizakis at work for 5 years now. Probably a dozen or so, and I've never heard of any of them breaking down.

http://nuggetice.com

We bought from JES Restaurant supply. There are other web-based restaurant supply houses that you can also buy from. And if you are currently building, make sure you can just drain the ice machine with gravity. The drain pump increases the cost of the ice machine a lot and is usually one of the first things that needs repairing or replacing. Our ice machine location was a retrofit so we had to go with the ice machine with the drain pump.

Is it weird that I can't see an ice machine or read the words "ice machine" without that stupid Marvin Zindler Slime in the Ice Machine song pop into my head. I have to live with that my whole life.

We're on our second one in 3.5 years. Do have a drain. After buying higher end stove, dishwasher and fridge, we went with the cheap $800 ice maker. Lasted 8 months with the help of three warranty repairs. Replaced it with a $1800 kitchen aid and no problems since. Love having 20 lbs of ice always available.